Promotional two-piece in one postcard housing an integral coupon card

ABSTRACT

A promotional mailer in the form of a two-piece in one post card housing an integral coupon card is disclosed. A redemption card is created and defined within the promotional mailer by score lines intermittently cut through a top layer, base layer and plastic film of the mailer in a manner to securely maintain the redemption card in place until forcibly removed. At least one edge of the redemption card is defined by a peripheral edge of the promotional mailer. The redemption card includes a plurality of coupons detachably cut into the redemption card, a bar code imprinted onto the redemption card, an integrated circuit chip, and/or a scratch-off foil overlying an offer printed on the redemption card. The promotional mailer preferably includes printed matter in the form of a postage area and addressing area outside the redemption card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to coupon cards. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a coupon card which is disposed within apromotional mailer.

Coupon cards having a number of mini-coupons which may be removed andredeemed are well known. It is also well known to place an individualmini-coupon directly on a product for instant redemption. Themini-coupons are a popular means of attracting customers and encouragingadditional sales. The prior art coupon cards and mini-coupons havevarious constructions and are used for a multitude of applications.Examples of some prior art coupon cards and mini-coupons are disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,479,838; 4,767,654; 5,308,120; U.S. Pat. Nos. Des.378,220; 5,501,491; 5,865,470; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 395,455; U.S. Pat.Nos. Des. 415,194; and 5,417,458.

One-piece promotional mailers are also well known in the art. Thesemailers are typically sent through the postal service system under abulk rate postage. The postal service system requires a particular sizeand format for a first class postcard, which must be at least 0.007″thick and no more than 0.16″ thick, at least 3.5″ in width, and no morethan 4.25″ in width, and at least 5″ in length, and no more than 6″ inlength. Cards which exceed the maximum postcard size are charged anincreased rate.

The mailers usually have advertisements, informational messages andother like promotional verbiage imprinted thereon. There may also be anindex card, such as Rolodex type business card, at least partiallyattached to the mailer. Specifically, the index cards are at leastpartially die cut from the mailer. A user then tears the index card outof the mailer. Examples of promotional mailers having removable indexcards are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,957,311 and 5,076,490. The priorart mailers, however, are formed of a single sheet of paper materialsuch that the structural integrity of the mailers is in question. Inaddition, the die cuts reduce the rigidity of the mailers. During thehigh speed processing of the mailers, the index cards may becomedetached or deform about the die cuts such that the mailers becomedamaged, mutilated or otherwise destroyed.

Accordingly, there is a need for a promotional mailer having sufficientstructural integrity to support a removable item disposed within themailer. In addition, it would be desirable to incorporate the advantagesand popularity of the mini-coupons or other retail incentive means intothe convenience of a first class or bulk rate promotional mailer.Finally, it would be even more desirable to incorporate an entire couponcard, having a plurality of mini-coupons or other retail incentives intoa structurally sound mailer. The present invention fulfills these needsand provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a two-piece in one postcard housing anintegral coupon card in the form of a promotional mailer. Thepromotional mailer generally comprises a base layer, typically comprisedof paper or card stock, having a peripheral edge and first and secondopposing surfaces. A plastic film is laminated to the first side of thebase layer. A top layer is adhered to the second layer of the baselayer. A release liner may be disposed between the base layer and thetop layer. For additional support, a plastic film may be laminated onthe top layer. A redemption card is created in the promotional mailerand defined by score lines intermittently cut through the top layer,base layer and plastic film so as to securely maintain the redemptioncard in place until it is forcibly removed by tearing away theredemption card at the score lines. The redemption card has at least oneedge which is defined by the peripheral edge of the base layer. Theredemption card includes means for redeeming offers associated with theredemption card.

Typically, the peripheral edge of the base layer, and thus thepromotional mailer, is defined by first, second, third and fourthperipheral edges which define a quadrilateral. Preferably, the first andthird peripheral edges are parallel to one another and have a length ofbetween 3.5 and 4.25 inches, and the second and fourth peripheral edgesare parallel to one another and have a length of between 5.0″ and 6.0″so as to qualify for post card bulk rate. At least one of the first orsecond surfaces of the base layer include matter imprinted thereon.Usually, the imprinted matter includes a postage area and an addressingarea positioned outside the redemption card.

The redeeming means associated with the redemption card typicallyincludes a plurality of coupons, e.g. mini-coupons, detachably cut intothe redemption card. The redeeming means may also include a bar codeimprinted onto the redemption card, an integrated circuit chip, and ascratch-off foil overlying an offer printed on the redemption card. Atleast one of the bar code, detachable coupons, and/or magnetic bar codemay be attached to the promotional mailer outside of the periphery ofthe redemption card as well.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the redemption card defines arectangle having dimensions approximating a credit card. In such anembodiment, wherein the promotional mailer defines a quadrilateral, twoedges of the redemption card are defined by the peripheral edge of thebase layer. The redemption card can also comprise one or more key tagshaving an aperture therethrough and sized for attachment to a key chain.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a front side of a promotional mailer embodyingthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the promotional mailer of FIG. 1,illustrating the detachment of a redemption card therefrom;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a back side of the redemption card of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a promotional mailer embodying thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a perforating rule, used to perforatethe redemption card in a particularly preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another promotional mailer embodyingthe present invention, and having a clear view liner;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a redemption card derived from thepromotional mailer of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another redemption card in accordance withthe present invention, having a clear front layer with a clear liner;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of yet another redemption card having ahologram in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a front side of a promotional mailer having aredemption card bearing detachable coupons and magnetic strips;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a front side of a promotional mailer inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the redemption cardincludes detachable coupons, scratch-off foil, a bar code, and magneticstrip;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a front side of a promotional mailer inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the redemption cardincludes detachable coupons and an integrated circuit chip;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a front side of a promotional mailer inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the redemption cardincludes detachable coupons, an integrated circuit chip, a bar code, anda scratch-off foil;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a front side of a promotional mailer inaccordance with the present invention containing a redemption card and akey tag redemption card;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a promotional mailer similarto FIG. 14, illustrating the removal of the redemption card and key tag;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a front side of another promotional mailercontaining a redemption card;

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of a promotional mailer in the form of afold over post card in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of a redemption card in accordance withthe present invention, illustrating a coupon removed therefrom;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of track sheet used in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a back side of the tracking sheet of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the presentinvention is concerned with a promotional mailer, generally referred toby the reference number 10. Although not limited to such, the overallsize of the promotional mailer is preferably limited to a first classpost card, wherein the peripheral edges define a quadrilateral having alength of between 5.0″ and 6.0″, in a width of between 3.5″ and 4.25″.However, the promotional mailer 10 may be of varying sizes with addedpostage paid to send to the prospective user. The promotional mailer 10includes a postage area 12 and an addressing area 14 imprinted onthereon, typically on a frontside thereof.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the promotional mailer 10includes a redemption card 16 which is built into the promotional mailer10 so that at least one peripheral edge of the redemption card 16 isdefined by the periphery of the promotional mailer 10. The redemptioncard 16 is defined by perforations 18 or the like, so that theredemption card 16 can be detached from the promotional mailer 10, asillustrated in FIG. 2.

The redemption card 16 includes promotional offers and the like andmeans for redeeming such offers which are associated with redemptioncard 16. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the promotional offerscomprise one or more coupons 20 which are detachably cut into theredemption card 16. Although these promotional offers can be associatedon either a front or back surface of the redemption card 16, typicallythey are created on the front side thereof, with identifying designs,trademarks or the like imprinted on the back side thereof, asillustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-section of a promotional mailer 10embodying the present invention is shown. The promotional mailer 10 isfabricated from three flat sheets of superimposed, layered material. Thethicknesses of the layers are exaggerated to clearly illustrate thelayering of the mailer 10. The mailer 10 is comprised of a base layer 22comprised of plastic or paper, such as “long grain” paper. A plasticfilm 24 is laminated to a front side of the base layer 22. Typically,the face (the back side of the mailer 10) of the base layer 22 isimprinted with identification, graphics, or advertising and the likewhich is readily visible on the mailer 10. The plastic film 24 coversthe advertising to provide a more durable and shiny surface to thepromotional mailer 10. The top plastic film 24 is known as “face stock”and is typically comprised of a clear plastic, UCL Polyolam NPL Film. Onthe other side of base layer 22 is adhered a coupon or redemption layer,referred to herein as the top layer 26, and known in the industry as the“front side” referring to the front side of the mailer 10, which iscomprised of a suitable paper or plastic. Of course, prior to adheringthe top layer 26 onto the base layer 22, the postage 12, address 14 andother necessary information is imprinted onto the base layer 22.Typically, there will be an adhesive layer 28 intermediate the top layer26 and base layer 22.

The redemption card 16 is defined by the perforations 18 or the like.Although there are a variety of means of producing such perforations, itis preferred to use the teflon coated rule 30 illustrated in FIG. 5.This rule 30 is constructed utilizing the most modern technologies forgrinding to produce a variable tooth rule. The rule 30 includes a loweredge having stepped teeth 32 which are sized to cut through the layers22-26 of the promotional mailer, while leaving staggered portions whichcut through all but 0.003″ of the layers 22-26. Thus, the rule 30 makestwo stepped cuts at the same time. The teeth cutting portions 32 cutsthrough the mailer 10, while the shorter portion of the rule 34 cutsthrough all but 0.003″ of material, leaving sufficient uncut portions oflayers 22-26 to maintain the promotional mailer 10 structural integrity.The rule 30 is configured such that the downwardly projecting teeth 32form perforations 18 entirely through all three layers 22-26, while theraised portions 34 cuts through the top layer 26 and base layer 22,leaving plastic film 24 unpunctured at that site. The plastic film 24,perforated in such a manner, is strong and durable enough to hold theredemption card 16 in place while it is handled in the mail system.

The thickness of the layers 22-26 when assembled to form the promotionalmailer 10 is preferably between 0.007″ and 0.016″ so as to meet therequirements of a first class post card.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the redemption card 16 comprisessingle card which approximates the size of a credit card so as to becarried in one's wallet. The card 16 itself is thin, 0.007″ to 0.016″ inthickness, and has approximate dimensions of 3.375″ in length and 2.125″in width. The corners of the card 16 may be rounded during theperforation process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the redemption card 16 includes a pluralityof small coupons 20. The redemption card 16 may have as few as one butas many as sixteen peel-off coupons 20 secured thereto. It is to beunderstood that the detachable coupon 20 can be of any size so as to fiton the redemption card 16. The detachable coupon 20 can be comprisedsuch that adhesive does not remain on the coupon 20 when removed, sothat the coupon can be sent to a clearing house for processing. Thecoupon face of the top layer 26 has coupons imprinted thereon which are“kiss cut” at regular intervals to form a matrix of small adhesivebacked removable coupons 20. The term kiss cut is a printers term and issimilar to a die cut, but the cut is made sufficiently deep to form theremovable coupons 20, without cutting into or through the remaininglayers 22 and 24. Each coupon 20 is scored at adjoining edges 34, 36 and38 by the kiss-cut process so that one can peel away a corner of thecoupon 20 with one's fingernail and then easily remove that particularcoupon 20. A “dog ear” marking 40 is illustrated at one corner of eachcoupon 20 to visually indicate to the user where to begin the peelingprocess. The underside of the coupon 20 has an adhesive backing 28 whichholds the coupon 20 in place. Each coupon 20 on the redemption card 16has printed matter imprinted thereon when the promotional mailer 10 isfabricated. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the printed matteron each coupon 20 is for a cash price discount or a buy one-get one freeoffer at a restaurant or retail store.

Thus, the promotional mailer 10 requires approximately five differentoperations to construct the mailer 10. The layers 22-26 are created orobtained in sheet or roll form. Advertising or the like is then printedon the face of the base layer 22, as well as on the top layer 24 or 26to create the coupons 20. After the printing has taken place, the top orfront face is covered with a durable plastic liner or sealed with aliquid protective sealant. The coupons 20 are then kiss-cut after theprinting process. Therefore, the process generally comprises printingthe top or front and bottom portions of the mailer 10, adhering orlaminating the plastic film and top or front layer 24 and 26 onto bothsides of the base layer 22, and kiss-cutting the coupons 20 within theredemption card 16 after the redemption card 16 has been perforated.

Although certain materials have been described as being preferred, it isto be understood that the specific materials used to form thepromotional mailer 10 can be substituted and fabricated from a greatnumber of materials. The adhesive layer 28 can be of any number ofadhesives which permit the coupons 20 to be peeled therefrom.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of the promotional mailer10 is shown comprising four layers. Essentially, the construction ofthis mailer 10′ is the same as previously described, with the additionof a release liner 42 interposed between the base layer 22 and topcoupon layer 26. Thus, the four layers are the top protective plasticfilm layer 24, the base layer 22, the release liner layer 42, and thecoupon top layer 26. Similar to that described above, the base layer 22is approximately 0.012″ in thickness. Once again, the front and backface of the base layer 22 have printed matter thereon. Preferably, theplastic film layer 24 and release liner 42 are clear so as to viewprinted matter therethrough. As described in FIG. 3, the back face ofthe redemption card 16 typically contains the name of the card andinformation about the card 16, in the form of a billboard for printingidentification, graphics, advertising, etc. The front face of the baselayer 22 may include similar graphics, trademarks, information, etc. sothat as the coupons 20 are removed, these trademarks and designs arevisible through the release liner 42, acting as a form of advertisementfor the trademark or issuer of the card. However, it is to be understoodthat the release liner 42 need not be transparent, but can also beopaque.

The release liner 42 can be formed with the adhesive applied to the backof the base layer 22, which sets to form a clear release layer 42.Alternatively, the release layer 42 can be comprised of a sheet of clearplastic, with the adhesive applied between the release liner 42 and theback of the coupons 20. It is to be understood that during the laminatedprocess is to form the completed card 16, the laminate can be made toadhere to the other layers 22-26 without the application of adhesive tohold the layers together.

The release liner 42 is preferably of a type of material that evaporatesimmediately after the coupon 20 is removed from the base. The removedcoupon 20 does not have any adhesive left on it after removal from thecoupon card 16. The coupon 20 is treated as any other store coupon inthat after the coupon 20 is scanned with a bar code reader, it is placedin the coupon drawer along with all the other conventional couponsreceived. Any residual adhesive left on the coupon 20 would cause it tostick to the other coupons in the coupon drawer, or to the cashier'sfingers, or to the bar code reader, which would make the coupon unusableas a store cents off coupon. The release liner 42 an be a fine filmabout 0.001″ thick which is applied to the back of the base before thecoupon layer is applied to the release liner 42. The laminated sheet isthen run through a die to “set” the release liner 42. It is somewhat inliquid form, and yet cannot evaporate or sublime because it is sealedbetween the base layer and the coupon layer.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a plastic or clear coated laminate 46 or thelike may be attached to the top layer 26, and subject to the kiss-cutprocess, for added support of the coupons 20. Referring now to FIG. 9, alaminate sheet 48 may be added to either the top layer 26, or preferablythe plastic film layer 24 and imprinted with a hologram or the like foruse as a security card or identification card. The imprinted information50 may also include identifying indicia in the form of dates, serialnumbers, etc. Such cards can be used, for example, in state lotterieswhere the lottery cards are mailed to the purchasers and includeholograms and identifying information 50 which is periodically changedto maintain the security of the lottery. Of course, such cards 16 couldalso be used in government and corporate applications.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a redemption card 16 is shown having aplurality of coupons 20 as well as a magnetic strip 52 positioned alongthe bottom edge of the card 16. Typically, the magnetic strip 52 isdevoid of information when the card 16 is fabricated, and an encodingmachine electronically encodes any information on the magnetic strip 52subsequent to the formation of the promotional mailer 10. It is morepreferable that the magnetic strip 52 be encoded at the time thepromotional mailer 10 is sent to the user. However, the redemption card16 may actually be detached from the mailer 10 and taken to a locationwhere the magnetic strip 52 is encoded before use.

Thus, a quantity of promotional mailers 10 including such cards 16 couldbe fabricated and sold to the ultimate redeemer of the cards 16 who wishto function as a redemption. The encoding machine could be madeavailable to this entity so that the blank magnetic strips 52 on thecards 16 could be encoded according to the wishes of the purchaser ofthe mailers 10. Thus, the magnetic strips 52 could be activated eitherbefore or after the promotional mailers 10 are sent to the users. Suchmagnetic strips 52 can be comprised of a transfer tape which has highcoercivity, low coercivity or approximately 2,750 coercivity. Forexample, a 3M magnetic strip 315 84 98011 4811 401, or the like can beapplied to the redemption card 16. The magnetic strip 52 itself can be0.25 to 0.5 inches in width and placed along the bottom edge, or anyedge for that matter, of the redemption card 16. Due to the small sizeof the magnetic strip 52, there is sufficient room on the redemptioncard 16 for placing other promotional offers, such as the illustratedcoupons 20, above the magnetic strip 52. Of course, the magnetic strip52 can be placed on either the front or back side of the redemption card16, enabling the back side to be fully used for other promotionaloffers, such as the detachable coupons 20.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a redemption card 16 is shown having aplurality of redemption offers and means for redeeming such offersincluded in such offers are the previously described detachable coupons20 and magnetic strip 52. However, the card 16 can also include a barcode 54 imprinted thereon, on either side thereof, and scanned intypical fashion for redeeming an offer. The redemption card 16 can alsohave a bar code 54 associated with each detachable coupon 20 toelectronically track the redemption of such coupons 20. Further, one ormore of the detachable coupons 20 can be covered with a removable foillayer 56. This scratch-off layer 56 comprises a foil treatment which isapplied to one or more of the coupons 20 after the coupons are printed.It is intended that the underlying coupon 20 offers a special prize,item or discount for the card holder. For example, the hidden couponcould offer a prize, free hamburger, coke or fries to the card holder.Likewise, the bar code 54 could indicate an offer relating to an item,such as a medium pizza. The bar code is machine readable by a wand barcode reader or a stationary bar code scanner in typical fashion. Theaddition of bar codes 54 on the peel-off coupons 20 allows for greatertracking capability on the part of the redemption card center, such as afast food restaurant.

With reference now to FIG. 12, the redemption card 16 may include amicroprocessor chip 58, also known as an integrated circuit chip, suchas a CR80 chip, or IC chip. IC chips find wide application in thecomputer industry. A relatively new chip 58 which is comprised of aclear transparent material, lays on top of the card 16. This clear chip58 is placed in the standard location on the card 16. The chip 58 can bea wipe-down or blow-down chip 58 to be able to be placed at any locationon the card, front or back or two chips 58 for varying use. These chipscan be obtained by various companies, including SOLAIC. The chip 58functions like a ram chip which can be reprogrammed. Memory chips areavailable and used to make smart cards. After the promotional mailer 10has been fabricated, the memory or microprocessor chip 58 can beembedded into or adhered onto either side of the redemption card 16.

The face of the chip 58 must typically be exposed so that an electronicreader can read the chip 58. The exposed chip 58 can be adhered to thefront or back of the card. The adhered chip 58 can be a memory chip 58or microprocessor chips 58. The cards illustrated in FIG. 12 can be usedas smart cards. The cards also are used as coupon redemption cards aspreviously discussed. The card 16 is an integral smart card/couponredemption card/post card. The smart card 16 also can be used as acustomer loyalty vehicle with or without coupons.

A card 16 with such a chip 58 can be used in the industry to have animage of a person and other information that will verify the user. Themailer 10 can be the vehicle to deliver the card 16 to the user.

As an example, the micro chip 58 can be adhered to a casino card 16,such as that illustrated in FIGS. 11-12. Casinos now have slot machineswith magnetic card readers. Special cards with secret codes on themagnetic strip are handed out to casino customers as a promotion. Thecard 16 allows the casino patron $25 to $50 or any amount to play theslots. The card holder inserts the card 16 with the magnetic strip 52into the reader and he is electronically debited with a dollar amount toplay the slots. He plays the slots until he gambles away the dollaramount, or if he wins, the slot machine dispenses coins or can creditthe magnetic strip 52. The casino card 16 with the micro chip 58 is moresophisticated. The slot machine microprocessor chip 58 readers could bereprogrammed on a daily basis to change the secret codes that arerecognized by the reader. The microprocessor chip 58 to be adhered tothe casino cards 16 could be electronically programmed with the new codeso that the reader would accept the card. A microprocessor chip 58 caneasily be reprogrammed even after it has been adhered to the casino card16. It would be next to impossible for an individual to program amicroprocessor chip 58 to make it compatible with the chip 58 reader onthe slot machine, acting as a security function of the casino card 16.

The casino card 16 may have multiple offers such as a scratch-off 56 ora magnetic strip 52, or a special bar code 56 for a possible jackpot,the micro chip 58 can give the customer a dollar amount credit to playthe slots or playing chips 58, and the peel-off coupons 20 give thecustomer free or reduced meals and other gratuities as printed on thepeel-off coupons 20.

It is to be understood, that the redemption card 16 can include only oneof the redeemable means in the form of coupons 20 magnetic strip 52, barcode 54, scratch off foil layers 56 or computer chip 58, or anycombination thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. These redeemablemeans can be placed on either side of the redemption card 16. It is alsoto be understood that the redeemable means as described can bepositioned outside of the redemption card 16 and onto the promotionalmailer 10 itself.

This would allow multiple people to have discounts and offers in theform of the redeemable means with a single promotional mailer. Thiswould also allow a system to be in place for tracking or activating aredemption card 16 by scanning, for example, a magnetic strip or barcode placed on the promotional mailer 10 itself. Similar to theredemption card, the redemption means could be placed on either side ofthe promotional mailer 10.

Although the redemption card 16 has been described as approximating thesize of a credit card, it is to be understood that it is not limited tosuch. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a promotional mailer 10may include a redemption card 16 approximating the size of a creditcard, as well as a smaller redemption card in the form of a key tag card60. The key tag card 60 is much smaller and sized to fit on a key chainthrough an aperture 62 formed therein and comfortably carried in thecard holder's pocket. Similar to the redemption card 16 described above,the key tag card 60 has at least one edge defined by the outer peripheryof the promotional mailer 10, and is perforated in a similar matter soas to be forcibly detached from the promotional mailer, as illustratedin FIG. 15. With continuing reference to FIG. 15, the key tag card 60can include any of the previous redemption offers and means, includingthe coupon 20 scratch-off foil 56, bar code 54, etc. In this way, thepromotional mailer 10 can supply two individuals in one household withpromotional offers, one in the form of the redemption card 16 to beplaced in the user's wallet, while another member of the household mayattach the key tag card 60 onto a key chain. The promotional offers maybe duplicated between the redemption card 16 and key tag card 60, oroffer different promotions and offers.

With reference to FIG. 16, yet another redemption card 16 isillustrated, wherein the redemption card 16 includes, for illustrativeexemplary purposes, four detachable coupons 20 formed thereon. Theredemption card 16 is defined by perforations 18 at an outer peripherythereof, as well as additional perforations 18 which can be used toseparate the redemption card 16 into pairs, or even individual couponcards 64. Thus, as the coupons 20 are redeemed, the card holder maydetach the area previously holding the coupon 20 from the redemptioncard 16 and decrease the size thereof for storage purposes.Alternatively, the card holder may separate the promotional offers anddistribute them among friends and family.

The coupon 20 as illustrated in FIG. 16 may comprise double flapcoupons, each coupon will be for a cents off product at the supermarket,for example. The shopper keeps the double flat coupon in her purse anduses the coupons as she purchases the items on the coupons. All centsoff store coupons now have bar codes printed on them so that the cashiercan electronically credit the shopper with the value of the card.Conventional coupons have the bar code and the coupon informationprinted on the same side of the coupon. Because of the requirement ofprinting the coupon information and the bar code on the same side of theconventional store coupon, the coupon cannot be reduced in size beyondits printing requirements. The present invention can allow the size ofthe coupon 20 to be reduced by printing the bar code 54 on the otherside, front or back, of the coupon 20. This allows the coupon 20 to besmaller, or it allows for more information to be printed on the front ofthe card 16, because the bar code 54 is eliminated from the front whichtakes up space. The reduced size of these coupons 20 is an advertisingand marketing advantage, because several coupons can be placed on thedouble flap coupon which is not very large, and it allows forconvenience by the shopper in that it is convenient to have severalcoupons on one card, and the card takes up very little space in theshoppers purse. Also, yet another coupon or promotional information oroffers could be printed onto the underlying card itself so that once theoverlying coupon 20 is redeemed, an underlying coupon can still beredeemed.

With reference now to FIG. 17, a fold-over promotional mailer post card66 is illustrated. Such post cards are often used in special programswhere a return portion of the card is to be mailed back. This can beparticularly useful in situations where businesses, schools and othercharitable organizations need to raise money. The promotional mailer 66acts as a fundraising mailer, with a person receiving the post card orthe promotional mailer 66 and returning a portion thereof upon receiptfor purchasing or tracking purposes. Typically, the person would retainthe portion of the mailer 66 housing the redemption card 16. Thefold-over promotional mailer 66 also enables additional information andadvertisements to be placed thereon.

With reference now to FIGS. 18-20, a tracking system is illustratedwherein the detachable coupons 20 removed from the redemption card 16can be stored, tracked, and an accounting made using a tracking sheet68.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top plan view of the tracking sheet 68 where eachredeeming peel-off coupon 20 from the card 16 can be affixed thereto.After the counter clerk removes a peel-off coupon 20 from the couponcard 16, he or she affixes the coupon 20 onto one of the squares 70 ofthe tracking card, as shown in FIG. 19.

The total amount of the sale is then written in the top of the square 70adjacent to the $ symbol and immediately above the coupon 20. At the endof the shift, or sooner if the tracking sheet is filled up with redeemedcoupons, the clerk then adds up the total dollar value on the front ofthe sheet for the total sales, which is entered on line 72 towards thebottom.

The back side of the tracking sheet 68 in FIG. 20 illustrates four rowsof boxes 74-80. In the first box 74 in a row one, the clerk enters thetotal number of peel-off coupons 20 received for the promotion. Forexample, buy one regular hamburger and get one free. The clerk thenenters the price of the peel-off items in the second box 76 in row one.The amount in box one is multiplied by the amount in box two and theproduct of the multiplication is entered in box three 78 on the firstrow. The clerk must then calculate the percentage of the cost ofpromotion to be entered in box 80. In the left column 82 the percentageof the product cost is entered, then the cost of material is entered andthen the total labor to make the item is entered. These figures aresupplied by management. The total is added and entered in box 84. Thesame number is entered in box 80 in the first row. The number in box 80is subtracted from the number in box 78 to arrive at the cost of thepromotion, which is entered in box 86 in the last row. The next threerows of boxes are used if the promotion covers other items such as afree coke or order of fries. The right boxes 86 and below are totaled toarrive at the total cost of the promotion which is entered on line 88.The tracking sheet 68 can be any type of surface where the redeemedcoupons 20 could be affixed to. For example, it could be a black pieceof cardboard, a blank sheet of paper, or any flat unmarked surfacecapable of holding the redeemed coupons. Also the cash register tape canbe used to affix the coupons to the tape. (The self sticking couponworks well on the cash register tape). The coupons may also be placed onany other tracking system.

After a tracking sheet 68 such as illustrated in FIG. 19 is filled withredeemed coupons 20, the filled tracking sheets 68 could be scanned orread by a bar code reader that would send the data to a computer whichwould tabulate the redeemed coupons to accelerate the tracking process,and would reduce or eliminate human error. It would also reduce thenumber of man hours needed to manually tabulate the filled trackingsheets.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described indetail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A promotional mailer, comprising: a postcardcomprising a base layer having a peripheral edge and first and secondsurfaces, a plastic film laminated to the first side of the base layer,and a top layer adhered to the second surface of the base layer; aredemption card defined by score lines intermittently cut through thetop layer, base layer and plastic film such so as to securely maintainthe redemption card in place until forcibly removed, the redemption cardhaving at least one edge defined by the peripheral edge of the baselayer and including means for redeeming offers associated with theredemption card, including a plurality of peel-away coupons detachablycut into the redemption card; and printed matter imprinted onto thepostcard, the printed matter including a postage area and an addressingarea outside of the redemption card.
 2. The promotional mailer of claim1, wherein the peripheral edge of the base layer is defined by first,second, third and fourth peripheral edges which define a quadrilateral.3. The promotional mailer of claim 2, wherein the first and thirdperipheral edges are parallel to one another and each have a length ofbetween 3.5 inches and 4.25 inches, and the second and fourth peripheraledges are parallel to one another and each have a length of between 5.0inches and 6.0 inches.
 4. The promotional mailer of claim 2, wherein twoedges of the redemption card are defined by the peripheral edge of thebase layer.
 5. The promotional mailer of claim 1, wherein the redeemingmeans includes a bar code imprinted onto the redemption card.
 6. Thepromotional mailer of claim 1, wherein the redeeming means includes anintegrated circuit chip.
 7. The promotional mailer of claim 1, whereinthe redeeming means includes a scratch-off foil overlying an offerprinted on the redemption card.
 8. The promotional mailer of claim 1,wherein the redeeming means includes a magnetic strip.
 9. Thepromotional mailer of claim 1, including at least one of a bar codeimprinted onto the promotional mailer, detachable coupons formed in thepromotional mailer, an integrated circuit chip, and a magnetic stripattached to the promotional mailer outside of the periphery of theredemption card.
 10. The promotional mailer of claim 1, including arelease liner disposed between the base layer and the top layer.
 11. Thepromotional mailer of claim 1, including a plastic laminate layeroverlying the top layer.
 12. The promotional mailer of claim 11,including a hologram formed on the plastic laminate layer.
 13. Thepromotional mailer of claim 1, wherein the redemption card defines arectangle having dimensions approximating a credit card.
 14. Thepromotional mailer of claim 1, wherein the redemption card comprises akey tag having an aperture therethrough for attachment to a key chain.15. A promotional mailer, comprising: a postcard comprising a base layerhaving a peripheral edge and first and second surfaces, the peripheraledge being defined by first, second, third and fourth peripheral edgeswhich define a quadrilateral, a plastic film laminated to the first sideof the base layer, and a top layer adhered to the second surface of thebase layer; a redemption card defined by score lines intermittently cutthrough the top layer, base layer and plastic film such so as tosecurely maintain the redemption card in place until forcibly removed,the redemption card having at least one edge defined by the peripheraledge of the base layer and including means for redeeming offersassociated with the redemption card including at least one of aplurality of coupons detachably cut into the redemption card, a bar codeimprinted onto the redemption card, a scratch-off foil overlying anoffer printed on the redemption card, a magnetic strip and an integratedcircuit chip; and printed matter imprinted onto the postcard, theprinted matter including a postage area and an addressing area outsideof the redemption card.
 16. The promotional mailer of claim 15, whereinthe first and third peripheral edges are parallel to one another andeach have a length of between 3.5 inches and 4.25 inches, and the secondand fourth peripheral edges are parallel to one another and each have alength of between 5.0 inches and 6.0 inches.
 17. The promotional mailerof claim 15, wherein two edges of the redemption card are defined by theperipheral edge of the base layer.
 18. The promotional mailer of claim15, including at least one of a bar code imprinted onto the promotionalmailer, detachable coupons formed in the promotional mailer, anintegrated circuit chip, and a magnetic strip attached to thepromotional mailer outside of the periphery of the redemption card. 19.The promotional mailer of claim 15, including a release liner disposedbetween the base layer and the top layer.
 20. The promotional mailer ofclaim 15, wherein the redemption card defines a rectangle havingdimensions approximating a credit card.
 21. The promotional mailer ofclaim 15, wherein the redemption card comprises a key tag having anaperture therethrough for attachment to a key chain.
 22. The promotionalmailer of claim 15, including a plastic laminate overlying the top layerand having a hologram formed thereon.
 23. A promotional mailer,comprising: a postcard comprising a base layer having a peripheral edgeand first and second surfaces, the peripheral edge being defined byfirst, second, third and fourth peripheral edges which define aquadrilateral, wherein the first and third peripheral edges are parallelto one another and each have a length of between 3.5 inches and 4.25inches, and the second and fourth peripheral edges are parallel to oneanother and each have a length of between 5.0 inches and 6.0 inches, aplastic film laminated to the first side of the base layer, a top layeradhered to the second surface of the base layer, a release linerdisposed between the base layer and the top layer, and a plasticlaminate layer overlying the top layer; a redemption card defined byscore lines intermittently cut through the top layer, base layer andplastic film and plastic laminate such so as to securely maintain theredemption card in place until forcibly removed, the redemption cardhaving two edges defined by the peripheral edge of the base layer, theredemption card defining a rectangle having dimensions approximating acredit card and including means for redeeming offers associated with theredemption card including at least one of a plurality of couponsdetachably cut into the redemption card, a bar code imprinted onto theredemption card, a scratch-off foil overlying an offer printed on theredemption card, a magnetic strip, and an integrated circuit chip; andprinted matter imprinted onto the postcard, the printed matter includinga postage area and an addressing area outside of the redemption card.24. The promotional mailer of claim 23, including at least one of a barcode imprinted onto the promotional mailer, detachable coupons formed inthe promotional mailer, an integrated circuit chip, and a magnetic stripattached to the promotional mailer outside of the periphery of theredemption card.